“Doods, Old Friend, Chinese Bull, Sheriff, J D, Taxi Driver, Bank Manager, Poppy, Pop, Dad – he meant a thousand things to a thousand people,” son Michael told a near-packed church of mourners.
“His voice would be over the loud speaker, he’d do the football report with so much pride and so brilliant at it. He was amazing.”
John William Doody, 76, passed away on Monday, July 31 after losing his battle with cancer. The funeral service was conducted by Fr. John McGrath at St Mary’s Catholic Church.
A chronology of the man most popularly known as ‘Doods’, who arrived in Corowa in 1981 and worked as a local bank manager, was delivered by niece Jae, as follows: “John was born in Ouyen on 31st July, 1946.
“He was the third child of Florence and Dominic Doody and had two brothers Brian and Geoff and three sisters Janice, Eileen and Gerardine.
“John attended St. Joseph’s School in Ouyen and spent one year at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat where he was a team member of the Senior St Pat’s football side.
“After completing his schooling John joined the CBC Bank as a Teller in Ouyen, then numerous moves within the bank over the next few years.
“John was transferred to Beaufort in 1972 where he met Jenny and they were married in 1974, and began their married life in Ballarat. Brennan their eldest child was born in Ballarat in 1976, then they moved to Berrigan. After 6 months they moved to Bendigo because of the lack of housing.
“Michael was born in 1978, followed by Amber in 1980 and both were born in Bendigo.
“In September 1981 the family moved to Corowa where John was appointed Manager of the CBC Bank. Sadly in April 1982 Amber passed away.
“They were blessed in 1983 to welcome their second daughter Krystal.
“John left the bank in 1985 and became the inaugural Manager of what then was Hume Building Society.
“John then worked for Petrie Ford in their Finance Department, and after that with Milthorpe Transport.
“An opportunity came up to buy into CWR Taxis and until John’s retirement in 2019 he was a local taxi driver.
“John became involved with the Corowa Rutherglen Football Club not long after arriving in Corowa and was Secretary for a couple of seasons.
“His other great love was his vegie garden where he spent a great deal of his leisure time, and of course we all know about his great love for the Bombers.”
Michael spoke of his deep admiration and love for his Dad, and said the whole family felt the same way, mentioning the various jobs including voluntary ones which were undertaken with such ability and pride, performances that were respected and appreciated by all who came into contact with him – which always included a nice chat.
Corowa star footballer Jason Marks exampled the popularity of Doods. “He transcended all community groups including football clubs – Corowa, Wahgunyah, Coreen – they’re all here in the one place. A really great bloke,” the former journalist at The Free Press said.
Stalwart of Corowa, Ovens and Murray league and VFL, Jim Sandral, said: “John was very good around the football club. He would write about different players and always did a good match report for The Free Press. He was a good bloke around the club.”
A taxi mate of John’s for some seven years, John Moran, said Doods was “one of the favourite taxi drivers”. “I’ll never forget one night. This ‘bird’ hopped in the back of the taxi and really started swearing. Doods said to her ‘do you kiss your mother with that mouth?’ I don’t think she understood what Doods meant!”
“John was always very respectful,” Fr McGrath said. “I’d see him down the street. Often he had little stories to tell.”
Doods was always proud of those closest to him. Wife Jenny of course was also a respected and popular receptionist at The Free Press for decades. Those little chats will be sorely missed.